Labour back-flips on DPB loophole

"After six long years, Labour's finally talking about closing a loophole in the DPB rules that has allowed more than 200 fathers to avoid naming the mother of their child," says National Party Welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins.

"This cynical change of heart has only come about because it's election year, after sustained pressure from Opposition MPs over a number of years.

"Labour's latest turnaround in policy demonstrates once again that it is prepared to do anything to stay in power."

After an approach by the media the Social Development Minister has suddenly promised to make unspecified changes to the rules surrounding fathers who do not name liable mothers.

"It is surely more than just a coincidence that this announcement came just days after I raised the issue at National's annual conference.

"Steve Maharey has not yet revealed how he plans to stop this from happening and that fits with the suggestion that this hasty retreat is little more than belated damage control.

"Mr Maharey is making a habit of writing policy on the hoof.

"He is still refusing to tell taxpayers how his single benefit scheme will work.

"Since it has been on Labour's agenda since the 1980s, you'd think he would know by now," says Ms Collins.

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